Printer Error Code Lookup Directory

When a printer throws an error code at 11pm before a deadline, you don't need a sales pitch — you need the fix. This directory catalogs the most common error codes across HP, Brother, Canon, Lexmark, Xerox, Kyocera, and Ricoh printers, with plain-English explanations of what each code means and how to resolve it.

Bookmark this page. Error codes don't follow a universal standard, and what means "paper jam" on one machine means "fuser failure" on another. We've organized everything by brand so you can jump straight to your printer.

How to Use This Directory

1. Find your brand in the table of contents below.
2. Match the exact code displayed on your printer's panel or status page.
3. Follow the recommended fix — start with the simplest action (power cycle, reseat cartridge) before escalating.
4. If the issue is consumable-related (toner, drum, fuser, maintenance kit), confirm the part number before ordering a replacement.

Many "errors" are sensor misreads after a consumable swap. A full power cycle — unplug the printer for 60 seconds, then plug it back in — resolves a surprising number of codes before any parts need to be replaced.

---

HP Printer Error Codes

HP uses both numeric codes (e.g., 49.4c02) and descriptive messages. Most LaserJet codes follow a category prefix system documented in HP's official support pages.

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
10.xx.xx	Supply memory error (toner chip not recognized)	Reseat the cartridge; clean chip contacts; replace if non-OEM chip is failing
13.xx.xx	Paper jam	Open all doors, remove paper fragments, check fuser area
41.03	Unexpected paper size	Verify tray guides match loaded paper
49.xx.xx	Firmware error	Power cycle; if persistent, update firmware via HP Smart
50.x	Fuser error	Allow printer to cool; if recurring, replace fuser/maintenance kit
51.xx	Laser/scanner error	Power cycle; replace laser scanner assembly if persistent
52.xx	Scanner motor failure	Service call typically required
54.xx	Sensor error	Clean sensors; reseat imaging drum
55.xx	DC controller communication error	Firmware update or formatter replacement
57.xx	Fan motor error	Check for obstructions; replace fan
59.xx	Main motor error	Reseat toner; check for paper fragments in drive train
79.xx	Firmware/network card error	Power cycle; remove EIO cards one at a time to isolate
13.B2.D2	Jam in duplexer	Remove duplex unit; clear paper path

For the ten most-Googled HP error codes with full step-by-step walkthroughs, see our dedicated guide: How to Fix the 10 Most Common HP Printer Error Codes.

---

Brother Printer Error Codes

Brother machines display errors as short text strings on the LCD. The most common codes affect HL-L, MFC-L, and DCP-L series printers.

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
Replace Toner	Toner cartridge empty or chip read failure	Replace cartridge; some models allow "Continue" mode override
Drum End Soon / Replace Drum	Drum unit reaching end of life	Order replacement drum unit (separate from toner)
Drum !	Drum unit needs cleaning	Reseat drum; clean corona wire with the green slider
Toner Low	Cartridge near empty	Order replacement; printing continues
Paper Jam Rear	Sheet stuck in rear exit	Open back cover; remove paper straight, not at an angle
Cooling Down	Fuser overheating	Wait — this is automatic protection, not a failure
Print Unable XX	Internal mechanical/electrical fault	Power cycle for 15 minutes; if persistent, service required
Init Unable 3X	Motor lock	Check for paper fragments; reseat toner and drum
No Toner	Cartridge not detected	Reseat cartridge; clean chip; verify cartridge is for your exact model
Drum Stop	Drum life exhausted	Replace drum unit

Brother's drum and toner are usually separate consumables — confusing if you're coming from HP or Canon. Replacing the toner doesn't reset the drum counter.

---

Canon Printer Error Codes

Canon uses two error formats: short codes for ink/consumer models (e.g., B200, 5100) and longer codes for imageCLASS/imageRUNNER (e.g., E000020-0000).

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
B200	Printhead voltage error (PIXMA)	Remove printhead, clean contacts, reinstall; may indicate printhead failure
5100	Carriage error	Clear obstructions in carriage path; check for stuck paper
5200	Ink low/printhead temperature error	Replace cartridges; let printer cool
6000	Paper feed error	Clear jam; check tray sensors
1300	Paper jam	Remove paper from output slot
E02 / 1000	No paper loaded	Load paper in tray
E04 / E05	Cartridge not recognized	Reseat or replace cartridge
E000020	Fixing assembly (fuser) error	Service required — fuser replacement
E000007	Fixing film unit error	Service required
#099	Print job interrupted	Resend job; check connection
#801	SMB scan-to-folder failure	Verify network credentials and folder permissions

---

Lexmark Printer Error Codes

Lexmark uses three-digit numeric codes, with sub-codes after a period indicating specific sub-systems.

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
200.xx	Paper jam at input sensor	Clear tray; check pickup roller
201.xx	Paper jam between input and fuser	Open front door; remove paper
202.xx	Paper jam at fuser	Carefully remove jammed sheet; allow fuser to cool first
31.xx	Defective or missing cartridge	Reseat or replace toner cartridge
84.xx	Photoconductor (PC) unit warning/end of life	Replace PC kit
88.xx	Toner low/empty	Replace cartridge
900.xx	RIP software failure	Power cycle; firmware update
920–924	Fuser error	Replace fuser/maintenance kit
940–943	Engine board failure	Service required

---

Xerox Printer Error Codes

Xerox VersaLink, WorkCentre, and Phaser series use codes in the format XXX-XXX (e.g., 077-101).

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
010-xxx	Fuser failure	Allow to cool; replace fuser if persistent
024-xxx	IOT (Image Output Terminal) communication	Power cycle
042-xxx	Main motor or fan failure	Check for obstructions
077-xxx	Paper transport jam	Clear paper path
092-xxx	ATC sensor (toner concentration) error	Clean ATC sensor; replace developer if needed
093-xxx	Toner cartridge or CRUM error	Reseat cartridge
094-xxx	Drum cartridge error	Reseat or replace drum
116-xxx	Controller error	Firmware update or formatter replacement
124-xxx	Billing/serial number mismatch	Service call required

---

Kyocera Printer Error Codes

Kyocera ECOSYS and TASKalfa series display "Call Service" followed by a numeric code, often as C codes (e.g., C6000).

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
C0100–C0180	Backup memory/EEPROM error	Service required
C2000–C2500	Motor errors	Check for obstructions; service if persistent
C3100–C3500	Laser scanner unit (LSU) errors	Replace LSU
C6000–C6400	Fuser thermistor/heater errors	Replace fuser unit
C7800–C7900	Toner sensor errors	Reseat toner; verify genuine Kyocera cartridge
F000	Main board to operation panel communication	Power cycle; check cables

Kyocera's ECOSYS line uses long-life drum and developer units instead of an all-in-one cartridge — meaning toner-only replacements at most service intervals.

---

Ricoh Printer Error Codes

Ricoh MP and IM series use SC (Service Call) codes.

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Fix
SC541–SC547	Fusing thermistor errors	Service required
SC320–SC328	Polygon motor (laser) errors	Replace laser unit
SC400–SC499	Image transfer/development errors	Reseat toner and PCU
SC670	Engine startup error	Power cycle; check controller board
SC990	Software performance error	Reboot; clear print queue

---

When an Error Code Means It's Time for a New Consumable

Many error codes are simply the printer telling you something is wearing out — not broken. Knowing which is which saves money and downtime.

• Toner-related codes (88.xx on Lexmark, Replace Toner on Brother, 10.xx.xx on HP) typically mean a cartridge swap. We at Windy City Toners stock OEM and compatible cartridges for HP, Canon, Xerox, Kyocera, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Toshiba.
• Drum or imaging unit codes call for a drum kit, which on Brother and Kyocera is sold separately from toner.
• Fuser codes (50.x HP, 920–924 Lexmark, C6000 Kyocera) indicate maintenance kit territory. Fuser failures rarely improve on their own.
• Maintenance kit warnings appear after a fixed page count — usually 100,000 to 225,000 pages depending on model. See our guide When to Replace Your Printer's Maintenance Kit for timing specifics.

If your printer is throwing fuser or formatter errors on a machine more than seven years old, replacement may be more economical than repair. Our Lease vs Buy: Office Printer Total Cost Comparison breaks down the math.

---

Diagnostic Resources

• Diagnose Your Printer Problem in 60 Seconds — interactive quiz that narrows the cause from symptoms.
• Top 25 Printer Problems FAQ — quick answers to the most-searched printer issues.
• Why Is My Printer Printing Streaks? Causes and Fixes — drum, toner, and fuser diagnostics.
• The Complete Glossary of Printer & Toner Terminology — A-to-Z reference for terms you'll encounter in service manuals.
• The Ultimate Laser Printer Maintenance Schedule — preventive checklist to avoid these codes in the first place.

For high-volume offices and print shops weighing repair-vs-replace decisions on multifunction equipment, our sales team takes calls at (872) 762-1131.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are printer error codes standardized across brands?

No. Every manufacturer uses its own coding system, and even within one brand, codes can change between product lines. HP's 49.xx.xx firmware error has no equivalent meaning on a Brother or Canon machine, so always look up codes against your specific brand and model.

Q: What does it mean when an error code returns immediately after a power cycle?

A code that survives a 60-second power cycle usually indicates a hardware fault rather than a transient sensor glitch. Reseat the consumables next (toner, drum, fuser), and if the code persists, the underlying component likely needs replacement or service.

Q: Can I reset a printer error code without fixing the underlying problem?

Some codes can be cleared from the service menu, but doing so masks the issue rather than resolving it. Fuser and laser-related codes especially should not be reset — continuing to print through them risks further damage and, in the case of fuser faults, fire risk.

Q: Why does my printer show a toner error right after I installed a new cartridge?

The most common causes are dirty chip contacts on the cartridge, an aftermarket chip that the firmware doesn't recognize, or a cartridge not fully seated. Remove the cartridge, wipe the chip with a dry microfiber cloth, and reinstall firmly until you hear it click.

Q: Does Windy City Toners stock toner and maintenance kits for all the brands listed in this directory?

Yes. We carry consumables for HP, Canon, Xerox, Kyocera, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Toshiba — including toner cartridges, drum units, fuser kits, and full maintenance kits. Most orders ship via free UPS Ground on select items to all 50 states.

Q: How do I know if an error code means I need a service technician versus a DIY fix?

As a general rule, codes involving sensors, motors, or formatter boards (e.g., HP 52.xx, Kyocera C0100, Ricoh SC670) require service. Codes referring to consumables, paper paths, or firmware are usually DIY. If a code includes the word "Call Service" or appears on a printer under warranty, contact a technician before attempting repairs.

Q: What's the difference between a "toner low" warning and a "replace toner" error?

"Toner low" is informational — the printer will continue printing, often for hundreds more pages. "Replace toner" stops the printer until a new cartridge is installed. Yields between the two warnings vary by model, but it's wise to order a replacement when you see the low warning so you're not caught without supplies.

Q: Can firmware updates fix recurring error codes?

Sometimes, yes. Manufacturers regularly patch sensor logic and known issues — particularly for newer codes like HP's 10.xx.xx cartridge memory errors. Check your manufacturer's support page for your exact model before assuming a hardware failure, but be cautious: some firmware updates also restrict the use of compatible cartridges.